LONGTON will be seeking a hat-trick of notable scalps when they host second-placed Hinckley in National League Three Midlands on Saturday.

Leaders Ampthill and Bromsgrove, who are third, have already come a cropper at Trentham Fields, and Longton will be determined to give the other front-runners a tough time.

Director of rugby Tony Wheat said: "We have been very good at home, winning eight or nine games on the bounce, but I would expect a close game.

"Hinckley are under pressure as they in the play-off place, but are back in form having won their last four games.

"They like to play with the ball in hand, but we will take them on up front because our forwards have been dominant at home."

Longton were due to play a Staffs Senior Cup semi-final at Lichfield last night, so their team will depend on any injuries.

Second-from-bottom STOKE face a crunch time in Midlands One West as they believe they must win their last three games to avoid relegation.

The city side start at home to Camp Hill followed by games at bottom side Cheltenham North and then Dudley Kingswinford at Hartwell Lane.

Last season's captain Phil MacPherson, who has been plagued by a knee injury, retains his place after coming off the bench at Burton last week. The squad again includes Colts scrum-half Jamie Loska.

STAFFORD go into their home game against Wolverhampton knowing victory would seal their place in Midlands Two West (North).

Stafford were disappointed to surrender an unbeaten home run they had maintained since Christmas to second-placed Lichfield last week (24-17), but non-playing captain Ben Ryder said: "We competed well and the performance actually increased our confidence rather than damage it.

"We are playing well and have targets – to pass last season's points tally of 16 and have a positive points difference."

Barry Scrymgeour is out tomorrow with a broken finger, while Matt Rowley has a suspected broken arm.